Dr Hasanat Husain

       Convenor,

 Voice for Justice, UK.


17 May 2008


Dear Dr Husain


Thank you very much for letting me know about tomorrow's meeting in support
of my constituent, Rizwan Hussain, the victim of an appalling unprovoked
beating by security personnel at Dhaka Airport on Monday 14 April, after
seeing off his sister.  Unfortunately I am not able to attend the meeting,
but I would be most grateful if you could convey to the meeting my good
wishes, my apologies for being unavoidably absent, my support for Rizwan
and my deep concern about what happened to him.

The incident raises very serious questions.  I wrote on 21 April to the
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK:

"Mr Hussain is well known and highly respected in the UK Bangladesh
community.  This dreadful incident has re-awakened memories of the killing
of a UK Bangladeshi citizen in similar circumstances at Dhaka Airport a few
years ago, over which I am told no action was ever taken.  There are very
strong feelings on this occasion that those responsible at Dhaka for this
appalling incident must be identified, prosecuted and dealt with through
the courts.  Are you able to assure me that this is being done?"

Four weeks have now passed.  I have not yet received a reply, although I
hope I soon will do. I have also written to the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon
David Miliband MP, calling on him to make representations to the Government
of Bangladesh.

I have been able to meet Rizwan on two occasions since his return, and will
do whatever I can to support him, and to press on behalf of the community
that nobody visiting Bangladesh should have to fear an arbitrary beating by
Government agents.

With all best wishes,

Yours sincerely,




STEPHEN TIMMS MP

The Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP

Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform